It made her sad though because it had starkly underscored their differences. His friendship with her was so wrong, and so inappropriate, that he couldn’t display his fondness out in the open where others might witness it. She wasn’t a member of his world, but hovered on the fringe of it, flitting around like a moth that he occasionally noticed.
Through much of the evening, he’d stood with Miss Ralston, greeting guests and introducing her to those she didn’t know. They were a handsome couple, and their binding connection was recognized by all.
So Joanna was what to him precisely? Where did she fit in that scenario?
Nowhere, was the only answer to that question. Why was she encouraging him? Why was she allowing herself to be ensnared in his web? And how would she extract herself without too much drama or damage?
She wished her Aunt Pru was available to provide some wise counsel. There wasn’t another female with whom she could discuss the dilemma, but one thing was very clear: She had to buck up and figure out where she was going.
He finished his liquor, then headed over to the stairs and walked down into the garden. The bench where she was sitting was under an arbor, so she was hidden in the shadows, and he didn’t see her.
She was debating whether to announce her presence when he glanced over and said, “Joanna! There you are. I was worried you might have left without a goodbye.”
“I was so hot from dancing. I needed some fresh air.”
“It’s so stuffy in the house. I’m used to being on my ship. I can’t abide being stuck indoors.”
He plopped down next to her, and of course, he wedged himself much too close, their bodies pressed together all the way down. She didn’t move over, and she sighed with exasperation. Hadn’t she just scolded herself about her behavior with him? Hadn’t she just tabulated how little they had in common? Hadn’t she just recollected how she had to erect some barriers and keep them in place?
“Why are you sighing?” he asked.
“Before you came outside, I was thinking how I have to try harder to avoid you.”
“What a ludicrous notion. Why would you avoid me?”
“This party has reminded me of our disparate stations, but I conveniently ignore them.”
“Normally, I’d nod like a dunce and say, Yes, Joanna, I’m so far above you. Why am I even speaking to you?” His tone was teasing, but there was an incredible amount of truth in the comment. “But I will only be in residence until the end of September, then I’ll traipse off across the globe again, so I’m determined to enjoy myself while I’m here.”
“I’ll miss you.”
“You’d better.”
“Do you wish you were out on your ship right now?”
“I always wish that. Have you ever been out on the ocean?”
“Once—when I was a girl. I didn’t care for it overly much.”
Considering that the vessel she was traveling on had sunk in a violent storm and everyone had perished except her and her two friends, Libby and Caro, it was the understatement of the century.
“Well, then,” he said, “if you don’t care for ships and sailing, why have I bothered with you a single second?” He flashed a grin that was wicked and seductive. “Are you having fun?”
“Yes. I’m glad I attended.”
“You didn’t dance with me.”
“You didn’t ask.”
“I didn’t dare. I was afraid I’d gaze at you so fondly that I’d light us on fire.”
She chuckled, and he surprised her by dipping in and stealing a kiss. As he drew away, he looked mischievous, as if he was a miscreant who’d pulled a prank.
“We’re not kissing in your garden.” She sounded prim and fussy.
“Why not? No one can see us in the shadows.”
“We can’t be sure of who might be spying on us, and your fiancée is inside.” He appeared as if he’d protest her referring to his cousin as his fiancée, and she hurried to add, “I know, I know. You’re not betrothed yet. You’re an unattached bachelor.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere,” he said, “and by the way, you are very beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re the most glamorous woman in the room.”
“That’s not true, so stop trying to charm me. You have dubious motives toward me, and it doesn’t take much calculation to deduce what they are.”
“Am I a scoundrel at heart?”
“Yes.”
“A month ago, I would have huffed with offense at the allegation, but since I met you, I’ve been forced to conclude that I’m a cad after all.”
“I stand warned, Captain Ralston.”
“Where is Clara? Who’s minding her?”
“She’s staying in the village. Her teacher is hosting a birthday party for one of the students.”
“The timing was lucky for me then. It meant you could attend my party.”
He touched her throat, sending a shiver down her arms. As her sole piece of jewelry, she’d tied a ribbon around her neck, and there was an ivory broach pinned in the center. There was a woman’s face carved in the ivory.
“Who is the woman?” he asked as he traced a finger across it.
“My mother.”
“Tell me more about her.”
“I don’t remember much. I was four when she died, but my Aunt Pru claimed we were just alike.”
“Was she from a common family?”
“Yes.”
“But your father was quite high. Who is his family? You can’t keep it a secret from me forever.”
“Why can’t I?”
“Your refusal to admit his name has fueled my curiosity. I won’t cease hounding you until you confide in me.”
“I realize you won’t believe me, but I’m much more stubborn than you are. You can nag to infinity, but it won’t garner you the information you seek.”
“Why be so furtive about it? Most people who have a grand sire are happy to brag.”
“If I told you who he is, I’m certain—when you next bumped into him—you’d engage in an entire conversation about me, and
